PART C - GROUND RADIOLOGICAL SURVEYS
Ground radiological surveys are normally performed by personnel mounted in
wheeled or tracked vehicles.
The radiological information can also be
obtained by personnel on foot but, because of the resultant high radiation
doses to personnel, foot surveys should be conducted only under exceptional
circumstances. Armored vehicles reduce doses received by personnel and will
be used whenever possible. Ground survey lacks the speed and flexibility of
aerial survey, results in higher nuclear radiation doses to personnel,
places a larger load of communications facilities, and requires diversion of
more personnel and equipment from the mission. However, a ground survey is
independent of weather conditions, can be conducted at night, and provides
more accurate information than an aerial survey. All echelons can perform
ground surveys within their areas of responsibility, using regularly
assigned personnel and equipment.
1.
Techniques.
The techniques used to conduct ground surveys include: point, route, and the
preselected dose-rate techniques.
a. Point Technique.
In using the point technique, the ground dose rate is determined at a
selected point of particular operational concern.
The reading can be
obtained by dismounting from the vehicle and taking a direct ground dose-
rate reading or by taking the dose-rate reading inside the vehicle.
From
the standpoint of accuracy, the first method is preferred. If the dose rate
is taken inside the vehicle, the ground dose rate will be determined by the
control party by using a correlation factor. When obtaining readings, while
dismounted, monitors should move away from the vehicle a distance of at
least 10 meters to make final readings.
This procedure prevents undue
shielding of the radiation field by the vehicle.
b. Route Technique.
In using the route technique, dose-rate readings are taken inside the
vehicle at selected distance intervals between checkpoints along a
designated route. Ground dose rates will be determined by the control party
by using a correlation factor. Most ground surveys are performed by use of
the route technique.
c. Preselected Dose-Rate Technique.
In using the preselected dose-rate technique, locations of preselected dose
rates are determined along assigned routes.
This technique is normally
employed only for survey of old fallout contamination, after H + 48 hours,
or radiological agent
CM5206
4-18
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